Big time sport news!

Arsenal lost to Newcastle today. They lost to Newcastle. I mean, come on. Newcastle. No offence to Newcastle but... NEWCASTLE! 1-0. Just not good enough. To make matters worse (people say it's a good thing but I see it as a golden opportunity lost), Liverpool managed to beat Chelsea 2-0, which would have meant we'd be only two points behind them. But no, because we always lose at shocking times we're still five adrift and Man U have leap-frogged us to second. Not good enough.

In brighter, better news, England won their first warm-up match Down Under thanks largely to great bowling (Swann especially) and Strauss making a 120 not-out. Pretty decent start all round because they won against some odds which always helps when preparing for a big event. You want to have to work for a victory. To feel as if you've really had a good scrap in order to get the mojo working. England have done that beautifully over the last three days. I'm really excited about The Ashes, not only because it's always a good competition, but also because I really think we have a good chance this year. And in Australia. That would be amazing.

Elsewhere in F1 Vettel beat Webber for a Red Bull one-two in today's Brazilian Grand Prix to clinch the constructor's championship and also keep the title race alive. It was a pretty bog-standard race after they'd all managed to pass poor Hulkenberg. Hamilton was passed by Alonso after a poor corner and Button managed to finish fifth. It leaves Alonso, Webber and Vettel all in contention for the title ahead of the final race of the season. Hamilton could win but would need to come first and for none of those three to score, which is unlikely, you have to admit. My brother wants Alonso, I'm all for Webber... we'll see.

What else? The Fed beat Djoko in Basle which gives him his fourth (out of eight finals) title of the season, and his 65th career title which pushes him one clear of Sampras's record and fourth on the all-time list. The Ray-ray Bro's (love it!) also won their first doubles ATP tour title in Valencia, which is amazing. It was truly hard fought as well - 7-6 (8/6) 5-7 10-7. I wish I could have seen that match. Good on the brothers!

I'll keep you blogged...